Page is loading ...
1 Introduction and System Requirements 1
2 Echo Express III-D Description 2
3 PCIe Card Installation and Chassis Setup Steps 4
4 Verify Connections Using OS X System Information 7
Verify Echo Express III-D is Recognized
Verify Installed Cards are Recognized
5 Tips, General Information, and Known Issues 8
Tips, General Information
Known Issues
6 Specifications, Precautions, FCC Compliance, and Support Information 9
Specifications
Safety Precautions
FCC Compliance
Contacting Customer Service
Visit Our Website
A BNC Connector Installation Steps A
Contents
This page left intentionally blank
1
Chapter 1 – Introduction and System Requirements
System Requirements
While the Echo Express III-D chassis requires no drivers, the
expansion cards you install do; Thunderbolt-compatible drivers
to enable them to work properly through the Thunderbolt
interface are required. More information on which cards are
compatible with Echo Express III-D is available at:
http://sonnettech.com/support/charts/thunderbolt/index.html
* To support more than two PCIe controllers, Windows requires a
Thunderbolt 2 interface in both the computer and the expansion
chassis. Note that some PCIe cards have a bridge to multiple
controllers, so it is possible for a single dual-controller PCIe card to
reach the limit if not connected via Thunderbolt 2. Not all Mac-
compatible PCIe cards are also compatible with Windows.
405.1
15.95
ECHO EXPRESS III-D SIDE VIEW
258.5
10.18
97.1
3.82
ECHO EXPRESS III-D
FRONT VIEW
ECHO EXPRESS III-D
REAR VIEW
Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase! The Echo Express III-D is a
Thunderbolt 2-to-PCI Express card expansion system; through
its PCIe slots, you may connect three expansion cards to your
Mac
®
with Thunderbolt technology to expand its capabilities in
ways never before possible! With its Windows
®
support, the Echo
Express III-D offers you a handy way to connect expansion cards
to your desktop or laptop PC with Thunderbolt technology.
Mac Compatibility
• Mac computer with a Thunderbolt 2 or Thunderbolt port
• OS X
®
10.8.5 or later
Windows Compatibility
• Windows PC with a Thunderbolt 2 or Thunderbolt port*
• Windows 8, 7
2
1 – Power Indicator LED
This lights when the Echo Express III-D is powered, the
Thunderbolt cable between the chassis and your computer is
plugged in securely, and the computer powered on.
2 – BNC Connector Mounting Holes
These accommodate the installation of BNC connectors
like those used for HD/SDI output for the RED ROCKET-X
transcoding card, or for MADI and word clock input and
output from cards like RME’s HDSPe MADI FX.
3 – Power Input Socket
Connect the included AC power cable here.
4 – Thunderbolt Ports
Connect a Thunderbolt cable between either port and your
computer’s Thunderbolt port (or other Thunderbolt device in
the chain connected to the computer); the other may be used
to connect to another Thunderbolt device.
Chapter 2 – Echo Express III-D Description
3
Outer Case
Temperature-Controlled Fans
These provide cooling for the installed PCIe cards and
the chassis’ supporting Thunderbolt circuitry. They
operate at a whisper when the cards are running cool,
and automatically speed up in steps as the temperature
rises. Do not block the fans or the vent holes on the
front or back of the chassis to prevent overheating.
Inner Assembly
1 – PCIe Card Bracket Locking Plate
This secures installed PCIe cards and port access
covers in place.
2 – Port Access Covers
These cover openings in the chassis when PCIe
slots are unoccupied.
3 – Slot 1
This is an x8 electrical (x8 mechanical) PCIe 2.0 slot.
It is also compatible with PCIe 1.1 and 3.0 cards.
4 – Slot 2
This is an x8 electrical (x16 mechanical) PCIe 2.0
slot. It is also compatible with PCIe 1.1 and 3.0
cards.
5 – Slot 3
This is an x4 electrical (x8 mechanical) PCIe 2.0 slot.
It is also compatible with PCIe 1.1 and 3.0 cards.
6 – Thunderbolt Interface Card
This card is installed in its own slot and may not be
moved to another slot.
7 – 6-Pin Auxilliary Power Connector
Plugged into this connector is the auxiliary power
cable for cards requiring extra power, such as the
Avid Pro Tools|HDX or RED ROCKET-X.
8 – PCIe Card Guides
When installing full-length cards, use these to
support and secure the cards.
9 – Thunderbolt Connector Retainer Clip
This secures a Thunderbolt connector plugged
into the Echo chassis’ Thunderbolt port to prevent
accidental cable disconnection. This clip is not
compatible with optical Thunderbolt cables.
10– Thunderbolt Cable
Connect this cable between the Echo chassis and
your computer (or other Thunderbolt device in the
chain connected to the computer).
Chapter 2 – Echo Express III-D Description
4
Chapter 3 – PCIe Card Installation and Chassis Setup Steps
Figure 1
Figure 2
1. Remove the Echo Express III-D from its packaging, and then set it on a
flat, level surface.
2. Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove and set aside the four screws
securing the back of the outer case to the inner assembly (Figure 1).
3. Turn the Echo chassis on its side.
4. Remove and set aside the four screws securing the bottom of the
outer case to the inner assembly (Figure 1).
5. Tilt the Echo chassis upright.
6. Grasping the outer case with one hand, push
the inner assembly into the outer case,
and then gently pull out the inner
assembly (Figure 1). Set aside
the outer case.
7. Loosen all three thumbscrews of the PCIe card bracket locking plate,
and then remove and set it aside (Figure 2).
8. Remove and set aside the port access covers (Figure 2).
9. OPTIONAL STEP: If you are installing a PCIe card which requires
auxiliary power, locate the wire harness connected to the 6-pin
connector indicated in the graphic to the right (Figure 3). Remove
the cable twist tie securing the wire harness, and move the loose
connector aside for later connection. Otherwise, go to the next step.
Support Note: To avoid damaging components due to static
electricity discharge, wear an antistatic wrist strap while working
inside the Echo Express chassis.
WARNING: When handling computer products, take care to prevent
components from being damaged by static electricity; avoid working
in carpeted areas. Handle expansion cards only by their edges and avoid
touching connector traces and component pins. Also, avoid touching the
Echo chassis’ circuit boards and any of its components.
Figure 3
Slot 1 x8 (x8)
Slot 2 x8 (x16)
Slot 3 x4 (x8)
6-pin connector
5
Chapter 3 – PCIe Card Installation and Chassis Setup Steps
10. OPTIONAL STEP: If you are installing BNC connectors into the
chassis’ mounting holes, skip to the appendix at the end of this
document for instructions. Otherwise, go to the next step.
11. Remove a PCIe card from its packaging, handling the card by its edges
and without touching any components or gold connector pins.
12. Line up the card’s connector with the slot, and then gently but firmly
press the card straight into the slot; do not rock the card or force the
card into the slot. If you encounter excessive resistance, check the
card’s connector and the slot for damage, and then try inserting the
card again (Figure 4).
13. Repeat steps 11 and 12 as necessary with any remaining cards.
14. If you installed a card which requires auxiliary power, connect the
auxiliary power connector to it now. If you installed cables with BNC
connectors into the chassis, connect them to the card you
installed.
15. If there are any unoccupied slots, install the port
access covers you removed previously
(Figure 4).
16. Secure the cards and port
access covers using the
previously-removed
PCIe card bracket
locking plate
(Figure 4).
17. Grasping the outer case,
gently push the inner
assembly back inside,
and then secure the
outer case to the inner
assembly using the
eight screws you
removed
previously; do not
overtighten the screws
(Figure 5).
Figure 4
Figure 5
Support Note: If you are installing an Avid Pro Tools|HDX PCIe
card, you will need to disconnect the Echo chassis‘ auxiliary power
wire harness plugged into the 6-pin connector indicated in Figure 3, and
replace it with the one included with the Avid card.
Support Note: If you are installing an x8 PCIe 1.1 card like the
original Red Rocket (not Red Rocket-X), or certain 10 Gigabit
Ethernet cards, installing it into slot 3 may result in reduced performance.
We recommend you install it into either slot 1 or 2 for best performance.
6
Chapter 3 – PCIe Card Installation and Chassis Setup Steps
18. Connect the included Thunderbolt cable between either Thunderbolt
port on the Echo chassis and a Thunderbolt port on your computer,
or other Thunderbolt device in the chain connected to the computer
(Figure 6). Secure the retainer clip to the chassis if you attached it.
If you are daisy chaining additional Thunderbolt devices, connect
another Thunderbolt cable between the downstream device and the
open Thunderbolt port on the Echo chassis.
19. Connect interface cables between devices, PCIe cards, and computer
as necessary.
20. Connect the included power cord between a wall outlet or power strip
and the Echo chassis’ power socket. Note that the power indicator on
the Echo Express III-D will not light until the computer, and any other
Thunderbolt device connected between it and the Echo chassis, is
powered on.
Figure 6
Support Note: Sonnet’s ThunderLok™ Thunderbolt connector
retainer clip secures the included Thunderbolt cable to the Echo
chassis to prevent accidental disconnects. Although it is compatible with
other copper Thunderbolt cables like Apple’s, it is not compatible with
optical Thunderbolt cables.
To attach the clip to the cable, remove them from their packaging, and then
insert the connector into the connector clip as shown (Figure 6). Note that
the connector will pass all the way through the clip; when you connect the
cable to the chassis, the clip will secure the cable.
7
Chapter 4 – Verify Connections Using OS X System Information
Figure 8
Figure 9
A – Verify the Echo Express III-D is Recognized
1. With the Echo chassis powered and connected to the
computer, turn on the computer.
2. From the Apple menu, select About This Mac; the
System Information application will launch.
3. When the About This Mac window opens, click More
Info; a summary of specifications will appear.
4. Click System Report; a full report window will appear.
5. In the System Information window, click Thunderbolt
under the Hardware header in the left column
(Figure 8).
6. In the top right column under the Thunderbolt Device
Tree header, you will see the computer, followed by
“Echo Express III” (Figure 8).
B – Verify Installed Cards are Recognized
1. When a card is installed into one of Echo chassis’ PCIe
slot(s), the PCIe slot (listed as a port), the Status should
appear as connected.
2. Click PCI Cards under the Hardware header in the left
column (Figure 9).
3. At the top of the right column, installed cards are listed.
By selecting a card at the top, detailed information is
listed. You should see “Yes” next to Driver Installed and
Tunnel Compatible, otherwise the card or driver may
not be Thunderbolt compatible (Figure 9).
Support Note: If “Echo Express III” is not listed,
disconnect and reconnect the Thunderbolt cable
between the computer and Echo chassis. Note that it is not
necessary to shut down the computer before disconnecting
and reconnecting the cable.
Support Note: While Echo Express expansion
chassis require no drivers, installed cards require
Thunderbolt-compatible drivers to enable their use.
Chapter 5 – Tips, General Information, and Known Issues
KNOWN ISSUES
Not all PCIe Cards Will Perform at 100%
Thunderbolt 2’s PCIe bandwidth is limited to 20Gbps. While
many cards will operate at full performance, some may not due
to the fact they require more bandwidth than Thunderbolt 2 is
capable of delivering.
OS X Updates May Break Compatibility
Specific device drivers that work under one version of OS X
may not work under a later version. Before updating to the
latest OS, we recommend that you contact your PCIe cards’
manufacturers to verify that the existing drivers work with
the new OS version. Note that other software updates for the
computer may also break compatibility.
Some Devices’ Performance May be Affected by Where They
Are Connected in a Thunderbolt Chain
However small, Thunderbolt introduces latency to a device chain.
If you expand with additional Thunderbolt expansion chassis,
you may need to experiment with which cards work better in
chassis closer to or farther from the computer in the chain.
PCIe CARDS ARE NOT HOT-PLUGGABLE!
Never install a PCIe card into Echo Express while it is connected
to a computer or power outlet! If you do, you risk injury, and
damage to the card, chassis, and computer.
TIPS, GENERAL INFORMATION
Keeping the Cards Cool
With its optimized airflow design and temperature-controlled
fans providing cooling at all times, Echo Express III-D provides
adequate cooling for the installed cards. Do not operate the Echo
Express III-D with the outer case removed, and do not block any
of the vents! Otherwise, the installed cards and Echo Express’
components may overheat.
Hot Plugging the Echo Express Expansion Chassis
When certified Thunderbolt-compatible cards (used with
Thunderbolt-compatible drivers) are installed in Echo Express
III-D, you may connect and disconnect the chassis while the
computer is on. Of course, if you have anything connected to
the cards, such as storage devices, cameras, etc., follow proper
procedures for disconnecting those devices before unplugging
the Echo Express chassis.
There’s No Need to Unplug the Power Cable
Because Echo Express automatically powers on and off with the
computer to which it’s connected, there’s no power switch, nor is
there any need to disconnect the power cable under normal use.
Power Indicator LED Operation
Because Echo Express automatically powers on and off with
the computer to which it’s connected, the power indicator LED
only turns on when the computer is on, and turns off when the
computer is sleeping or powered off.
Connecting Additional Thunderbolt Devices
You may connect up to six Thunderbolt devices total in a daisy
chain, including the Apple Thunderbolt Display.
Using Expansion Cards Without Drivers
Some Thunderbolt-compatible expansion cards, like Sonnet’s
Allegro
™
FW800 PCIe FireWire
®
adapter and Sonnet’s Tempo
™
SATA Pro 6Gb eSATA cards, use drivers built into the OS.
Replacing Cards or Adding Cards After Initial Installation
If you decide to replace or add a card to Echo Express after the
initial setup, shut down the computer, and then disconnect the
power cord and Thunderbolt cables before installing a card.
8
Chapter 6 – Specifications, Precautions, FCC Compliance, and Support Information
Warnings (continued)
• Do not expose the device to rain, use it near water or containers
that contain liquids which might spill into any openings, or in
damp or wet conditions.
• If unusual smells, sounds, or smoke come from the device, or if
liquids enter it, unplug it from the electrical outlet immediately.
• Follow the instructions in this manual carefully; contact your
reseller or local distributor for additional advice not covered in
this User’s Guide.
FCC Compliance
Echo Express III complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation
is subject to the following two conditions: This device may not
cause harmful interference, AND this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
Contacting Customer Service
The Sonnet Web site located at www.sonnettech.com has the
most current support information and technical updates. Before
you call Customer Service, please check our Web site for the latest
updates and online support files, and check this User’s Guide for
helpful information.
When you call Customer Service, have the following information
available so the customer service staff can better assist you:
• Product name
• Date and place of purchase
• Computer model
• PCIe card models
• Operating system version
• Software/firmware versions
USA Customers
If further assistance is needed, please contact Sonnet Customer
Service at:
Tel: 1-949-472-2772
(Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–4 p.m. Pacific Time)
E-mail: support@sonnettech.com
For Customers Outside the USA
For support on this product, contact your reseller or local
distributor.
Visit Our Web Site
For the most current product information and online support
files, visit the Sonnet Web site at www.sonnettech.com/support/.
Register your product online at http://registration.sonnettech.com
to be informed of future upgrades and product releases.
Specifications
External Connectors Two Thunderbolt 2
Power (C14-type)
PCIe 2.0 Expansion
Slots
• One x8 mechanical (x8 electrical)
• One x16 mechanical (x8 electrical)
• One x8 mechanical (x4 electrical)
PCIe Cards Supported • One full length, full-height,
double-width PCIe card, plus one
single-width card
or
• Three full length, full-height,
single-width PCIe cards
Compatible PCIe Cards See Sonnet Website
(www.sonnettech.com)
Power Supply Universal 300W, 115-230V AC,
50-60 Hz
(1)
Operating
Temperatures
0˚ C to 35˚ C
(32˚ F to 95˚ F)
Dimensions WxDxH 3.8 x 16 x 10.2 in.
(9.7 x 40.5 x 25.9 cm)
Weight
(Echo Express Pro)
7.5 lbs
(3.4 kg)
RoHS Compliant Yes
Package Contents • Echo Express III-D chassis
• Power cord
• Thunderbolt cable
• ThunderLok Thunderbolt
connector retainer clip
(2)
• User’s guide
1. Power supply will operate at 90-115V AC, with linear power deration of
240W-300W over that range.
2. Not compatible with optical Thunderbolt cables.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Please read this section carefully before proceeding. These
precautions explain the correct and safe use of this device,
thereby helping to prevent injury to you or others, and also help
you to minimize the risk of damaging the device.
Warnings
Always follow the basic warnings listed here to avoid the risk of
serious injury or death from electrical shock, short-circuiting, fire,
and other hazards. These warnings include, but are not limited to:
• Do not attempt to modify the enclosure. If this device appears
to be malfunctioning, contact your reseller or local distributor.
• Do not drop the chassis; dropping or mishandling chassis may
result in a malfunction leaving the product inoperable.
• Do not insert your fingers or foreign objects inside the slot(s).
9
A
Appendix A – BNC Connector Installation Steps
1. Remove and set aside the two screws securing the Thunderbolt
interface card to the inner assembly (Figure A-1).
2. Gently push down on the edge of the card to disengage the card from
its slot (Figure A-1).
3. Grasping the card by its edges, rotate the bracket out of the inner
assembly, and then pull out the card (Figure A-2). Set aside the
Thunderbolt interface card on flat surface, component side down.
4. Insert the BNC cables through the BNC connector mounting holes in
the inner assembly (Figure A-3). Route the cables out over the top of
the PCIe slot riser card.
5. Slide the connector nuts over the BNC cables, and then secure the
connectors to the inner assembly (Figure A-3).
Figure A-1
Figure A-2
Figure A-3
B
Appendix A – BNC Connector Installation Steps
6. Grasping the Thunderbolt interface card by its edges, insert the card
back into the inner assembly (Figure A-4).
7. Line up the card’s connector with the slot, and then gently but firmly
press the card straight into the slot; do not rock the card or force the
card into the slot. If you encounter excessive resistance, check the
card’s connector and the slot for damage, and then try inserting the
card again (Figure A-5).
8. Using the two screws you removed previously, secure the Thunderbolt
interface card to the inner assembly; do not overtighten the screws
(Figure A-5).
9. Return to step 11 on page 5 to complete the PCIe card and chassis
setup steps.
Figure A-4
Figure A-5
©2015 Sonnet Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved. Sonnet, the Sonnet logotype, Simply Fast, the Simply Fast logotype, Allegro, Echo, and Tempo are trademarks of Sonnet Technologies,
Inc. FireWire, Mac, the Mac logo, and OS X are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the United States and other countries. Thunderbolt 2 and the Thunderbolt logo are trademarks
of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries. Other product names are trademarks of their respective owners. Product specifications subject to change without notice.
Printed in the USA. UG-ECHO-EXP3FD-E-E-102715
/
